Sourcing from India to the UAE, done properly.
The UAE has one of the largest and most active Indian communities anywhere outside India, and trade between the two countries runs on one of the strongest agreements in the region — the India-UAE CEPA. We source from Amazon India, Flipkart, Meesho and beyond, and ship to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere else in the UAE.
Customs & duties to UAE
Threshold: AED 300 (Dubai) / AED 1,000 (Abu Dhabi)
Standard UAE customs duty is 5% of CIF value, plus 5% VAT, for most goods above the threshold. Under the India-UAE CEPA (in force since May 2022), a large share of Indian goods may qualify for reduced or zero duty with a proper Certificate of Origin — most relevant to commercial-scale orders.
Quotes shown in AED where possible.
Full customs guide →Couriers & timelines
- DHL
- FedEx
- Aramex
One of the fastest and most reliable corridors we operate, given the strong logistics infrastructure between the two countries. We’ll confirm realistic processing time at the quote stage.
Shipping policy →What needs care shipping to UAE.
Alcohol and tobacco carry significantly higher duty rates (50% and 100% respectively) regardless of value, and some categories require additional approvals. For CEPA-eligible commercial orders, a proper Certificate of Origin is essential — without it, standard 5% duty applies even if the goods would otherwise qualify for a reduced rate.
What buyers in UAE source most.
Spices & Commodities
Whole and ground spices, pulses, grains & Indian commodity staples.
Food & Beverages
Packaged foods, tea & beverages, including a dedicated vegan range.
Handicrafts & Gifting
Brass, wood, block-print, pottery, gifting.
Festival & Celebration
Diwali, Rakhi, Navratri & wedding-season picks.
Why DS Corp vs. the alternative.
The India-UAE CEPA is a real, citable trade advantage most generic shipping pages don’t mention at all.
| Ordering Direct / Other Agents | With DS Corp | |
|---|---|---|
| CEPA awareness | Most sourcing agents don’t mention or use the India-UAE CEPA at all | We factor in CEPA-eligible duty advantages where your order qualifies |
| Documentation | Missing or incorrect Certificate of Origin means full duty applies regardless | We help ensure the right documentation accompanies CEPA-eligible orders |
| Logistics reliability | Mixed experiences with smaller, less established agents | We use the strong, well-established India-UAE logistics corridor |
Sourcing to UAE — FAQ
Does the India-UAE CEPA reduce duty on my order?
It can, for orders that qualify under the agreement’s rules of origin and that are accompanied by a proper Certificate of Origin. This mainly applies to larger or commercial-scale orders rather than single small items.
What is the standard import duty if CEPA doesn’t apply?
Standard UAE customs duty is 5% of the CIF value, plus 5% VAT, for most goods. Dubai has a duty-free threshold of AED 300 for courier shipments, and Abu Dhabi AED 1,000.
Are there products with higher duty rates in the UAE?
Yes — alcohol carries a 50% duty and tobacco 100%, regardless of value. Most other general goods fall under the standard 5% rate.
How fast is shipping from India to the UAE compared to other countries?
The India-UAE corridor is one of the most established and efficient lanes we operate, given the strong logistics infrastructure and geographic proximity.
Can DS Corp help with Certificate of Origin documentation for CEPA?
For orders that may qualify, we’ll flag this and guide you on what documentation is needed. Formal CEPA certification is typically more relevant to bulk or commercial orders.
Source from India to UAE.
Share a product link and we’ll quote this lane within 24 hours.